Missouri mourns the death of Jean Carnahan, the state's 1st woman to serve in the US Senate
Missouri is mourning the death of former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Missouri residents on Wednesday mourned the death of former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, who became the state's first female U.S. senator when she was appointed to replace her husband following his death.
The Missouri state House held a moment of silence to mark Carnahan's Tuesday death at age 90. Her family did not specify the cause of death but said Carnahan died after a brief illness at a hospice facility in suburban St. Louis.
“As a U.S. senator and first lady, her dedication to the people of Missouri was unsurpassed,” House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade said in a statement. "Her life had an impact on all who knew her, and her legacy of service will not be forgotten.”
Carnahan’s public memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis.
Carnahan, a Democrat, was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2001 after the posthumous election of her husband, Gov. Mel Carnahan, and she served until 2002.
Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Matthew Patterson in a statement described Jean Carnahan as a “fierce and brilliant public servant” and a “trailblazer.”
Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said she “survived tragedy with grit and grace.”
“I know her family will miss her terribly, along with all of us lucky enough to be her friend," McCaskill said in a statement.